Classic Inca Trail Tour with 7 Reviews by World Expeditions

11 daysDuration

Small Group TourUsually 8-12 participants, maximum 18 travelers

16 peopleMaximum group size

18 - 99 yearsAge range for participants

EnglishGuide language

Moderate

Involves sustained activity requiring a reasonable level of fitness and endurance.

Starts

Lima, Peru

Ends

Cusco, Peru

Highlights

Explore Machu Picchu, the legendary Inca citadel perched high in the Andes – one of South America’s most treasured archaeological sites

Acclimatise to the altitude while discovering Peru’s deep cultural roots in the Sacred Valley – from ancient agricultural terraces to the immersive Inkariy Museum

Two Visits to Machu Picchu. Arrive on foot for your first unforgettable view, then return the next day – rested and ready – on a guided visit, to appreciate the site in a whole new light

Stay at thoughtfully chosen campsites with better views, fewer people, and time to truly take it all in

Sit back on a scenic rail journey from Machu Picchu to Ollantaytambo, soaking up dramatic Andean views as you unwind after the trek

Itinerary

If you’ve ever dreamed of tracing the footsteps of the Incas, the "Classic Inca Trail" tour offers a perfect blend of history, adventure, and highland beauty. This 11-day guided trekking trip starts in Lima and ends in Cusco, giving travelers ample time to acclimatize and immerse themselves in the legacy of the Inca civilization before hitting the renowned Inca Trail.

Along the way, you’ll explore Cusco and the Sacred Valley, ascend mountain passes and jungle trails, and marvel at the cloud forest panoramas that inspired the ancient Incas. The trek culminates with an unforgettable sunrise arrival at Machu Picchu, followed by a night in Aguas Calientes that allows for a second, quieter visit to the mystical ruins.

The standout feature of this trek package is its thoughtful pacing, which maximizes acclimatisation and cultural enrichment, ensuring that you experience Machu Picchu at its most magical and meaningful.

day 1 - Arrive in Lima

You will be met at the airport and transferred to the hotel where you are free to rest in the hotel or wander into town to walk around Miraflores. Some of Lima’s best galleries and shops and restaurants are located in this area. Founded by Francisco Pizarro in 1535, Lima is the oldest capital in South America, with a superb combination of Spanish Colonial and 19th century European architecture. If you have time to visit a museum we would recommend the brilliant Larco Herrera Museum which also has an excellent onsite restaurant or the Museo de La Nacion.

Overnight: Hotel Dazzler Miraflores or similar

day 2 - Fly to Cusco - afternoon at leisure

Transfer to Lima airport in the early morning and fly to Cusco (if you organise your own flights, please ask us for the group flight details before you book flights, otherwise additional airport transfer costs will apply). Try to get a seat on the left side of the aircraft for the best views of stunning snow peaks. After your transfer to your hotel located in the historic centre you will have some time to explore the city and also enjoy a few hours of rest, essential to initiate successful acclimatisation to the altitude.

Overnight: Hotel Abittare or similar.

Meals:Breakfast

day 3 - Tour of Cusco city and nearby ruins

Today we have a guided tour of Cusco and its nearby ruins. The city, once capital of the extensive Inca Empire, has seen many changes since Francisco Pizarro's men took the city with such apparent ease in November 1533. The tour starts with a visit to Santo Domingo Convent, a large Renaissance-baroque complex, which was built over the Inca Coricancha temple. It was one of the most important temples dedicated to worshipping of the sun, and its foundations are still prominent at the base of the convent. Ancient chronicles say the temple was covered in gold leaf and filled with golden representations of nature. Then, visit the Cathedral, the most famous monument of the Main Square. Head to the hills above Cusco to visit the remains of the fortress of Sacsayhuaman. The impressive ramparts offer a stunning panoramic view of Cusco, and the ruins of the temple and amphitheatre of Qenqo, where it is believed the Incas practised agricultural rituals. Admire Qenqo and then finally visit Puka Pukara (‘Red fortress’ in Quechua), an Inca military complex located on a prominent hill. Its dwellings, squares, bathrooms, aqueducts, walls, and towers can still be appreciated. Afterwards, we return to our hotel. In the afternoon you may have time to explore some of the central parts of the city and have a chance to look at some of the great varieties of local craft work on sale in open-air artisan markets and shops.

Overnight: Hotel Abbitare or similar.

Meals:Breakfast

day 4 - Drive and walk down into the Sacred Valley of the Incas

We are heading out from Cusco today to go explore the rural village of Pisac including the amazing open-air market. After a winding, ascending 45-minute drive passing through serene mountain countryside, we’ll get our first view of Pisac’s impressive ruins on the mountain across from us. Climbing to their high point, we’ll be greeted with amazing views of the Sacred Valley and its surrounding peaks, or Apus. Their names are Apu Linli, Apu Intihuatana, Apu Chiwuanco, Apu Ventanayoc, and Apu Ñusta. They stand as guardians and protectors of the Sacred Valley and its inhabitants.After our explorations, we’ll return to the village of Pisac, or, time permitting, we may take a leisurely hike (30 min) to the village on a well-maintained trail that winds its way through extensive Andean agricultural terracing and stunning mountainside vistas. Arriving at the picturesque Andean village of Pisac, we’ll visit its large open-air market, where vendors sell everything from colorful local handicrafts to semi-precious stones, hand-woven garments, sweaters, ponchos, etc. Tuesdays and Sundays are Market Days, when villagers from miles around arrive with colorful fruits and vegetables, fresh herbs, flowers, and many varieties of Andean potatoes for sale or barter with neighboring communities. After exploring Pisac Market, we’ll head deeper into the Sacred Valley, travelling west towards Ollantaytambo, stopping for a typical Andean lunch. A walk through the labyrinthine streets of the town demonstrates the Inca drainage canals still in use today. Some of the ancient Inca homes, complete with trapezoidal doors and interior courtyards, are likewise still inhabited.

Overnight: Sol Ollantay Hotel or similar.

Meals:Breakfast and Lunch

day 5 - Second day in the Sacred Valley of the Incas

Today we are learning all about Peru’s ancient cultures along with a visit to a friendly local community. Transferring across to Urco we have a gentle 2.5 km walk through the agricultural terraces at the crest of the surrounding farmlands, all covered by the shadow of Pitusiray Mountain. Stopping to visit the Urco Archaeological Site, where special knowledge of the cosmos and weather patterns were employed in past centuries to assist in farming crops. The highlight of the site is an intriguing stone figure, resembling a snake with a carved water channel running between its eyes. After we head to the Inkariy Museum, a recent museum opened in 2015 which displays more than 5,000 years of Peruvian history. The museum walks you through the timeline of ancient civilizations, from the Caral to the Incas exploring in depth the contributions of these cultures with dramatic displays depicting typical textiles, sculptures, ceramics, and clothing of each civilization. After exploring these intriguing exhibitions it’s time for lunch where we will enjoy an attractive outdoor seating area plus a full menu full of local offerings. From here we head out to visit Lamay where we will spend a delightful afternoon learning about life in this serene Sacred Valley community. We will visit the Lamay Cathedral, which dates from the 1600’s and is replete with religious works of art. Visit the belltower and learn also how the church bells’ various rings connote different occasions. We will visit the local bakery, where we can learn about the breadmaking process, and then observe how the traditional Andean activity of raising guinea pigs, or “cuy” has become something of a cottage industry for this region. We will explore the process of making Chicha de Jora, a fermented corn beer, and of course, have a chance to sample this typical beverage of the Andes along with a traditional local snack. Your visit to this community is part of a project of sustainable tourism that directly supports communities like Lamay to thrive in their traditional ways. Return to your accommodation.

Overnight: Sol Ollantay Hotel or similar.

Meals:Breakfast

day 6 - Inca Trail trek commences (Trek approx. 4.5 hours, 10.1km)

Today is an early start as we get up at sunrise to start our trekking experience. Most groups cross the Urubamba River at Km 82, we will instead head further downstream and cross at Km 88. Starting our trek further down will set the tone for the rest of this adventure; by avoiding the crowds and enjoying a more isolated experience we will have landscapes all to ourselves. When we arrive to Chamana, part of the Llaqtapata Community, a warm lunch will wait for you at our private campsite. As evening closes in you get the opportunity to visit the archaeological sites of Llaqtapata and Wayna Q’ente. These charming ruins of Incan monuments and constructions will leave you in awe. After a full day you will be offered tea, followed by a warm dinner all while reminiscing on the day's beautiful trekking outdoors.

Overnight: Chamana Campsite.

Walking: Approx. 10 km, 4.5 hours, max elevation 2,840m.

*Important: Please be aware that, because of the Peruvian authorities' rules on the Inca Trail, there may be changes in the actual trek itinerary and the campsites we use.

Meals:Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

day 7 - Trek towards first pass (Trek approx. 7 - 8 hours, 11.7km)

Greeted by the sun and a cup of warm tea we continue our journey by heading up into the narrow Cusichaca Valley, this journey passes houses inhabited by herdsman and farmers, until we reach Huayllabamba. Stopping for a quick rest, take advantage of the spectacular views of the cloudy and misty peaks of the magnificent Andes backdropped by the Urubamba River below for a perfect photo opportunity. Heading up, the cobble-stoned Inca Trail rises sharply through native forests before levelling out just as we reach our campsite of Llulluchapampa, sitting just below the first pass. Our camp for the night displays breathtaking views of Mt. Huayanay and gives us our first glimpse of the rare Andean cloud forest of Polyepis (Quenua) trees, also known as the "paper tree" due to their reddish bark peeling into paper-like sheets.

Walking: Approx. 11.7 km, 7 - 8 hours, max elevation 3,800m.

Overnight: Campsite.

Meals:Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

day 8 - Trek to Phuyupatamarca (Trek approx. 8 hours, 12km)

Today is a tough day as we being our steady ascent up to the highest point of the journey, Warmiwanusqa (Dead Woman’s) Pass (4228 metres / 13,871 feet), named for its resemblance to a woman lying down. This point is nearly 1,800m (5,905 feet) higher than Machu Picchu, and you can get a real sense of accomplishment by having overcome this challenge. From here we head down, with relief, towards the Pacaymayo River ahead of us. Stopping for lunch and to catch our breath we continue back up to the ruins of Runkuraqay, believed to be the administrative point of the Incas, and to the second pass sitting at 3,968m (13,018 feet). From here we continue along the original Trail towards the site of Sayacmarca passing via a dry lake and through the Andean cloud forest. Many plants and animals thrive in the cloud forest, including endemic species found nowhere else on Earth, keep your eye out for butterflies, hummingbirds and delicate orchids of various brilliant hues. Our trek continues along the ridge line while we admire the incredible views of the Aobamba Valley below, until we reach out camp for the night. Flanked by the snow-capped Mt. Salkantay to the west and Mt. Pumasillo to the north our camp of Phuyupatamarca, or "village at the end of the clouds" in Quechua, is a spectacular spot to enjoy both the sunset and sunrise.

Overnight: Campsite.

Walking: Approx. 12 km, 8 hours, max elevation 4,228m.

Meals:Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

day 9 - Final day of trek to Machu Picchu, guided tour of Machu Picchu, to Aguas Calientes (Trek approx. 7.5 hours, 10.9km)

Today is the day you've been waiting for, your first glimpse of the incredible citadel of Machu Picchu. Waking up in time for the sunrise, take a short hike up the hill from our campsite, where our hardworking porters await us with steaming cups of tea to greet the morning. This site is known to deliver some of the most radiant sunrise views in the entire Machu Picchu Sanctuary. After heading back down to enjoy a fortifying breakfast we continue along the trek passing the ruins at Phuyupatamarca, containing an irrigation system that still works today built over five centuries ago! The flag-stoned path begins to head sharply towards the well-conserved ruins of Wiñay Wayna (“Forever Young”) located just below the ridge. Walking in the Inca’s footsteps, along the very same trail they would have once used, we trek for two hours through dense, misty cloud forest until we at last reach Machu Picchu via Inti Punku (the Gate of the Sun). Stop to marvel at our first sight of the magnificent citadel of Machu Picchu spread out below us, perhaps a friendly alpaca or llama will join you for that epic shot. We will enjoy a guided tour of the sanctuary followed by time to explore this fascinating site at your own pace (with the accompaniment of the guide) before taking the bus down to the village of Machu Picchu, where you'll spend the night at a local hotel, be sure to take advantage of finally having a hot shower.

Overnight: El Mapi Hotel or similar.

Walking: Approx. 10.9 km, 7.5 hours, max elevation 3,750m.

*Important: To ensure the protection and conservation of the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu and enhance the visitor experience, several restrictions and regulations are in place. The site features three main circuits divided into ten predetermined routes. Visitors are limited to a maximum of four hours within the site to reduce congestion and preserve the ruins, and admission is not permitted after 4pm. Additionally, all visitors must be accompanied by a guide. Despite these restrictions, World Expeditions endeavours to ensure you have a memorable and fulfilling Machu Picchu experience.

Meals:Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

day 10 - Explore Machu Picchu and return to Cusco

This morning we get up early to savour the views and atmosphere of the mystical morning light over Machu Picchu. We are treated to a unique second visit to Machu Picchu including another guided tour (conducted by a local guide) visiting the sites that you may have missed yesterday in this colossal sanctuary. In the afternoon or early evening we depart from Machu Picchu for the train ride back to Cusco.

Overnight: Hotel Abbitare or similar.

NB - depending on train schedules, we may arrive into Cusco very late at night.

*Ask us about the optional Huayna Picchu climb, or Machu Picchu Mountain climb (additional cost, permits required).

Meals:Breakfast and Lunch

day 11 - Drive to Cusco airport, trip concludes

After breakfast you will be transferred to the airport where your trip concludes.

Meals:Breakfast

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What's Included

Meals

10 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 3 dinners

Transport

Private internal transportation

Guide

Expert bilingual guide for each section

Others

Airport transfers if arriving/departing on days 1 and 11 onlyInca Trail Permit (please check availability with us at the time of booking)Comfortable and central hotelsTrain from Mapi to Poroy (Cusco)The use of a gear pack for the trek including sleeping bag, fibre filled jacket and thermarestPorters to carry personal gear on the trekGroup camping equipmentSightseeing and site entrance fees as listed (including Machu Picchu entrance fee)Group medical kit

What's Excluded

Customer Reviews

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Sistema di prenotazione semplice e intuibile. In caso di necessità le istruzioni presenti sul sito sono risultate utili e chiare. Nessun problema riscontrato

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Highlights

Itinerary

day 1 - Arrive in Lima

day 2 - Fly to Cusco - afternoon at leisure

day 3 - Tour of Cusco city and nearby ruins

day 4 - Drive and walk down into the Sacred Valley of the Incas

day 5 - Second day in the Sacred Valley of the Incas

day 6 - Inca Trail trek commences (Trek approx. 4.5 hours, 10.1km)

day 7 - Trek towards first pass (Trek approx. 7 - 8 hours, 11.7km)

day 8 - Trek to Phuyupatamarca (Trek approx. 8 hours, 12km)

day 9 - Final day of trek to Machu Picchu, guided tour of Machu Picchu, to Aguas Calientes (Trek approx. 7.5 hours, 10.9km)

day 10 - Explore Machu Picchu and return to Cusco

day 11 - Drive to Cusco airport, trip concludes

Get Trip Brochure & Exclusive Discount

What's Included

What's Excluded

Customer Reviews

5.0

Tour Availability

Monthly Price Comparison

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Why Book with Bookmundi

What are customers saying about Bookmundi

Anonymous

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What's Included

What's Excluded

Itinerary

day 1 - Arrive in Lima

day 2 - Fly to Cusco - afternoon at leisure

day 3 - Tour of Cusco city and nearby ruins

day 4 - Drive and walk down into the Sacred Valley of the Incas

day 5 - Second day in the Sacred Valley of the Incas

day 6 - Inca Trail trek commences (Trek approx. 4.5 hours, 10.1km)

day 7 - Trek towards first pass (Trek approx. 7 - 8 hours, 11.7km)

day 8 - Trek to Phuyupatamarca (Trek approx. 8 hours, 12km)

day 9 - Final day of trek to Machu Picchu, guided tour of Machu Picchu, to Aguas Calientes (Trek approx. 7.5 hours, 10.9km)

day 10 - Explore Machu Picchu and return to Cusco

day 11 - Drive to Cusco airport, trip concludes

Customer Reviews

5.0

Keep Exploring Peru

Traveler Types

Tour Types

Top activities in Peru

Other Peru Recommendations

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